How well did Cooper guard MJ?

70sFan · Post #1 » by **70sFan** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 5:53 pm

I saw some highlights from their games, but mostly focused on MJ. My question is: How good did Michael Cooper guard MJ? Based on numbers, he did not bad job against him. Cooper was amazing defender in his prime, one of the best man defenders ever.

A few weeks ago someone asked about the best defender on MJ ever. Everyone said about Payton, Dumars, sometimes Moncrief. From what I've seen Coop guarded Jordan better than Joe and Moncrief. Payton guard him well in 1996, but young Michael was a different animal. I don't think he would be even close to be as successfull as against 1996 MJ. Is Coop in the conversation?

Shot Clock · Post #2 » by **Shot Clock** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 6:36 pm

I have a game somewhere on VHS tape and when I watched it for that reason, Cooper wasn't able to handle young Jordan at all. I was expecting a battle but Jordan abused him.

70sFan · Post #3 » by **70sFan** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:17 pm

Any videos with their matchup?

Post #4 » by **penbeast0** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 8:53 pm

Moncrief had trouble with Jordan as well though Jordan said he was arguably the toughest opponent he ever faced. But that was more a two-way thing; Jordan was talking about Moncrief's relentless energy on both ends. Sid tended to get in his man's face which is more successful with jump shooter who he frequently abused than with a great slasher who is stronger and just as ridiculously quick. Jordan could beat Sid by taking him to the hole or posting him.

bastillon · Post #5 » by **bastillon** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 9:47 pm

70sFan wrote:I saw some highlights from their games, but mostly focused on MJ. My question is: How good did Michael Cooper guard MJ? Based on numbers, he did not bad job against him. Cooper was amazing defender in his prime, one of the best man defenders ever.

A few weeks ago someone asked about the best defender on MJ ever. Everyone said about Payton, Dumars, sometimes Moncrief. From what I've seen Coop guarded Jordan better than Joe and Moncrief. Payton guard him well in 1996, but young Michael was a different animal. I don't think he would be even close to be as successfull as against 1996 MJ. Is Coop in the conversation?

Moncrief? That guy was eaten alive by Jordan in the postseason in MJ's rookie season. Someone was insane.